Audi H-Tron Quattro Concept Unveiled in Detroit

Hydrogen-powered concept provides 373 miles of range.

Recent rumors suggested Audi would show off a hydrogen-powered version of its E-Tron concept at this week's 2016 Detroit Auto Show. Those rumors turned out to be correct, as the Audi H-Tron Quattro concept made its debut today in Detroit.

Visually, the H-Tron looks nearly identical to the E-Tron. The most obvious change is its bright yellow paint job and five-spoke wheels. The concept is expected to preview an upcoming Q6 crossover, which will sit between the new Q7 and the Q5 (a second-gen Q5 has been confirmed to debut sometime this year).

Audi CEO Rupert Stadler introduced the hydrogen-powered concept, but not before mentioning the diesel exhaust crisis currently affecting the Volkswagen Group. Stadler said the crisis provides a "unique opportunity for change and innovation."

That said, the H-Tron concept (along with the E-Tron version) could be the change Audi needs when it comes to green technology. Audi says its fuel-cell concept features two electric motors, one at the front (121 hp) and another powering the rear wheels (188 hp). Three tanks hold enough hydrogen to provide 373 miles of range, and Audi says it only takes 4 minutes to refuel. Audi estimates the H-Tron concept will run to 62 mph in less than 7 seconds.

The H-Tron concept makes a compelling case, especially compared to the E-Tron all-electric version. That concept has a range of 310 miles (performance estimates weren't provided for the E-Tron). Audi has already confirmed that the E-Tron crossover will make it to production by 2018. The H-Tron, however, is only a technology study for now.